I've got something here I haven't seen any posts on yet.

Starting last winter I noticed when I put the Ranger (98, 4x4, 3.0, auto) into 4wd there would be a squeal. It sounds like something rubbing and slows down even though I don't actually slow down. Then it goes away. It does the same thing when I switch back into to 2wd. It won't make the noise again until I switch into the other drive mode which could be weeks.
I had a ball joint replaced last winter and the mechanic noticed it when he test drove it and commented on it, and has no clue what it could be. His theory is maybe the boots are dried out and when it goes into 4wd the wobble of the shafts may be different enough it causes friction on the openings of the boots. A pretty hokey theory in my opinion.
Anyway, someone got any ideas? It doesn't cause a drivability problem and it switches into 4wd and 2wd without any unusual noises or other problems.
I love this truck!!

Thanks.

 

I forgot to mention I replaced the brake pads about a month ago, so it isn't brake noise.

 

I noticed mine doing the exact same thing today. We got about a foot of snow yesterday so I've really been using the four wheel drive. I actually didn't notice it until I hit a dry spot on the interstate. When in the snow I didn't notice it as bad. Mine seemed to also make the noice when I hit the brakes going slow, but its not the pads, they're brand new. I hope someone has some advise.

 

It potentially would be of great benefit if you could better narrow down the location of the noise. Right now, it's a wild guessing game. Also, any additional details such as brakes applied, only when turning, doesn't do it in reverse, doesn't do it on 4L, etc etc etc might be a big help to us.

 

Mine only seems to do it for a couple of minutes then stops. It starts out loudly then quiets down pretty quickly. I just sounds like something rubbing and slowing down even when my speed isn't slowing down. When I touch the brakes it still squeaks, and will usually not start up again once I stop.

 

Ya got a point there Cowboy.
I haven't noticed it in reverse, but it's always gone by the time I need to back up. I've only had the truck in 4 high so I don't know if it makes the noise in low. It still squeaks when turning, and applying brakes doesn't change it. Now keep in mind, it only last for less than a mile or so and I only notice it in town. It just sounds like a squeaky wheel slowing down then eventually going silent, and I don't necessarily need to actually be slowing down. I can't pinpoint if it's right or left side either.
Hope this little bit of info helps some.

 

The '98-'00 PVH hubs are known to squeal on occasion, people have posted about it in the past. In most cases, regular usage seems to make the problem go away. A few years ago my front hubs started squealing but after a couple of times using the 4wd system the problem went away. I haven't heard a peep since.

 

Maybe theres a way to pull apart the hubs and spray them down with brake cleaner to get all the crap out, and that might fix the problem.